The Board has determined that the service member's discharge from service under other than honorable conditions constitutes a statutory bar to VA benefits, including death pension benefits.
The deciding factor: The service member was discharged as undesirable for the good of the service due to a prolonged period of unauthorized absence without leave (AWOL). There were no compelling circumstances shown that would justify such an extended period of AWOL. The Board found insufficient evidence of reasons for going AWOL and concluded that there is no legal eligibility for VA benefits.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 15, 2015
- Citation
- 1552297
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1552297.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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